June 25, 2024
3 Essential Quick Repairs for Clarinet
Imagine you’re backstage, minutes before the curtain rises on your school’s biggest concert of the year. Amid the frenzied last-minute preparations, your clarinet player walks up to you in a near panic and utters the four words every music educator dreads most:
“My instrument isn’t working.”
You’ve probably been through similar situations before and know how stressful last-minute breakdowns can be. As a band or orchestra director, you’re the first person students turn to when there’s a problem with their instrument. While mastering every repair across all the instruments in the band room might not be feasible, having a few quick fixes up your sleeve is essential to keep the music flowing.
In our new repair series video, master technician John Blythe shares essential quick fixes for handling the most common clarinet repairs—including the most creative use of dental floss we’ve seen in a while. These are not permanent fixes but temporary interventions to keep students playing through practices, performances and competitions.
Check out the video above and read the article to learn more!
Tips for How to Repair a Clarinet
Clarinets, like many woodwind instruments, have their own set of challenges when it comes to repairs. However, some basic fixes can be relatively straightforward and manageable, especially with the right tools and knowledge.
It’s worth investing in a repair kit that includes the tools and supplies needed to make quick fixes to woodwind and brasswind instruments. It is best to utilize a repair kit that includes synthetic materials with a long shelf life, as you probably won’t be addressing repairs on a daily basis. Here are a few options:
Valentino Director’s Combination Fix Kit Includes Heat Gun
Valentino Standard Repair Kit
Once you have the necessary equipment, you’re ready to explore the most common repairs for clarinet. Remember, it’s always best to have a working instrument nearby for reference purposes.
Joint Cork Replacement
The joint corks of a clarinet ensure a tight fit between the sections of the instrument. Over time, these corks can wear out or break, causing air leaks and affecting playability. In extreme cases, the clarinet may fall apart simply because the joint cork is unable to hold the sections together.
Tools needed:
- Replacement cork
- Scraper
- Adhesive remover
- Slip-joint pliers
- Scissors
- Razor knife
How to replace a joint cork on a clarinet:
- First you’ll have to remove the old cork. Use a scraper and adhesive remover to clean out the old cork from the tenon channel.
- Ensure the channel is clean and dry so the new cork adheres properly.
- Choose the correct size of synthetic cork from the kit. It should fit snugly into the channel.
- Apply the new cork. Peel off the backing and place the cork into the channel, ensuring it overlaps slightly.
- Trim any excess cork using a razor blade and smooth the edges with an emery board if needed.
An alternative method for emergency repairs:
If you need a really quick fix or aren’t able to access your repair kit, you can often use plumber’s tape or even waxed dental floss instead of joint cork. Simply wrap the tape or floss around the channel until a good amount has built up. Then put the sections together and test the seal. It’s a great bandroom hack to get through a rehearsal or performance, but the instrument should be properly repaired as soon as possible.
Clarinet Pad Replacement
Pads on a clarinet ensure the keys seal properly over the tone holes. Worn or damaged pads can cause air leaks, making it difficult for the clarinet to function correctly. Here’s how to quickly change the pads on a clarinet.
Tools needed:
- Hot air gun
- Small screwdriver
- Needle spring
- Synthetic pads from the kit
- Pad slick
- Key oil
How to replace a clarinet pad:
- First, remove the key and old pad. Use a small screwdriver to remove the key from the instrument. Using a hot air gun, heat the pad cup to soften the glue, then remove the old pad with a needle spring. While this could also be done with a lighter, a hot air gun is a better choice for safety reasons.
- Clean out any leftover glue from the pad cup.
- Choose the correct pad from the kit and dry-fit it to confirm proper sizing.
- Peel off the backing and place the new pad in the cup, using the pad slick to ensure it is level.
- Reinstall the key and check for proper sealing using a feeler gauge.
Adjusting a Bent Key
Bent keys will prevent the clarinet’s pads from sealing properly and impact the instrument’s sound and playability. This can often result from students twisting the upper and lower joints together during assembly. We encourage students to attach the bell first—it offers a better grip with less chance of bending keys.
Tools needed:
- Trumpet mouthpiece
- Small pliers
How to adjust a bent key:
- Identify bent keys. Common keys that get bent include the Bb Trill on the upper joint and levers on the lower joint. Look for keys that aren’t aligning properly or are sticking.
- A trumpet mouthpiece will help you straighten the Bb Trill key. Slide the shank opening of the mouthpiece over the Bb key’s touch piece and use that leverage to gently bend the affected keys back into place. There should be enough space between the keys to avoid rubbing. The lower-joint lever keys, which the clarinetist plays with their left-hand pinky, can be straightened by using a small pair of smooth jaw pliers to gently pull them back into position.
Turn to the Pros at Music & Arts
Remember that regular maintenance and prompt repairs by an experienced technician are essential to your clarinet’s performance and longevity. If you need help handling a repair, contact the Music & Arts repair team. We’d be happy to help!
